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Attitudes within the general population towards seeking professional help in cases of mental distress

Author

Listed:
  • Saska Roskar
  • Mark Floyd Bracic
  • Urska Kolar
  • Ksenija Lekic
  • Nusa Konec Juricic
  • Alenka Tancic Grum
  • Bogdan Dobnik
  • Vita Postuvan
  • Mojca Vatovec

Abstract

Background: Although effective treatment is available for a variety of mental disorders, the treatment and help-seeking gap remains high. One of the main obstacles to help-seeking behaviour is prevailing stigmatizing attitudes. Aim: To examine attitudes within the general population towards seeking professional help in times of mental distress. Methods: A representative general population survey ( N  = 594) was conducted in Slovenia by means of an Internet-based questionnaire, covering data on demographic variables and attitudes towards help-seeking behaviour. Results: More stigmatizing attitudes towards help-seeking behaviour were found in men, single persons, those of a younger age and lower educational achievement and in respondents coming from regions with a high suicide rate. Furthermore, 52.50% of the total sample have had an experience with psychological problems, yet only 41.50% of those have sought professional help. Experience with help-seeking behaviour in the past was associated with less stigmatizing attitudes. Conclusion: Knowledge and understanding of mental health problems are necessary prerequisites to seeking help, but not the only ones. To improve help-seeking behaviour, it is also important to combat stigmatizing attitudes. Additionally, destigmatizing campaigns should also focus on social norms.

Suggested Citation

  • Saska Roskar & Mark Floyd Bracic & Urska Kolar & Ksenija Lekic & Nusa Konec Juricic & Alenka Tancic Grum & Bogdan Dobnik & Vita Postuvan & Mojca Vatovec, 2017. "Attitudes within the general population towards seeking professional help in cases of mental distress," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 63(7), pages 614-621, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:63:y:2017:i:7:p:614-621
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764017724819
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ajzen, Icek, 1991. "The theory of planned behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 179-211, December.
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